Publishers Weekly
04/16/2018
Philips offers a star-crossed romance between two teenage boys, Nate and Cameron, both aspiring musicians. Cameron’s dad has a successful record label, and Nate’s dad was a famous musician who committed suicide under mysterious circumstances related to Cameron’s father. The two teens meet while seeing a band, yet Nate runs—and keeps on running—when he finds out who Cameron’s father is. Cameron’s überfamous twin sister, Tess, sends out a tweet asking for help identifying her brother’s “Cinderfella,” and Nate’s life is upended with paparazzi and posts about his father. Told in alternating first-person perspectives, this is an unapologetic fairy tale about boys. Philips pulls out all the romantic stops—heartfelt songs written by one boy for the other, giant obstacles in the way of their love that they must overcome, love conquering all, and the rest of the world hanging on what will happen in their story. A rare sort of romance that is cheesy in the best of ways. Ages 14–up. (June)
From the Publisher
"Philips beautifully captures the sweeping sensation of first love . . . while also delivering an enchanting, sweet, modern fairy-tale that offers up an LGBTQ happily-ever-after (something we still see far too little of in pop culture).” —Entertainment Weekly
"A rare sort of romance that is cheesy in the best of ways." —Publishers Weekly
"Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist meets Cinderella in this thoroughly modern romance." —HelloGiggles
"Philips has created a realistic, not-overly-mushy, well-written romance . . . Refreshing." —School Library Journal
"Philips’ tale of these two talented teens is not without its soap-opera elements . . . but romance fans will forgive all this and simply enjoy the story." —Booklist
Praise for Perfect Ten by L. Philips
A Seventeen Best Book of 2017
“A sweet summer read about a boy looking for love and the lengths he will go to find it.” —Teen Vogue
“The most fantastic, hopeful, aspirational story of gay teens in a red state since David Levithan’s Boy Meets Boy.” —Aaron Hartzler, author of Lambda Literary Award finalist Rapture Practice
"Philips’ tale will resonate with readers who are looking for love and a light, breezy summer read." —Entertainment Weekly
“A solid YA read that makes you shamelessly squee.” —HelloGiggles
“Sweet and satisfying . . . Like one of the ultimately lucky three, this is a keeper.” —Booklist
“You can count on Perfect Ten to make you laugh, think, and, ultimately grow—what more can we ask from a coming-of-age love story? An absolute delight to read.” —John Corey Whaley, Printz Award–winning author of Where Things Come Back
“A fun, swoony, and romantic novel that honestly expresses the trials and tribulations of finding the right one.” —BuzzFeed
“Perfect Ten is: 1. Adorable 2. Heartbreaking 3. Funny 4. Delightful 5. Unexpected 6. Queer 7. Moving 8. Honest 9. Unapologetic 10. A must-read.” —Michael Barakiva, author of One Man Guy
“This surprisingly tender rom-com explores relationships with an authenticity that’s full of heart and poetic splendor . . . Fans of Stephanie Perkins or David Levithan will discover much to love about this sweet confection of a tale.” —School Library Journal
“Perfect Ten is as charming as it is relevant. A stunning, twenty-first-century teen romance that will have readers begging for more. In a word, it’s Magick.” —J. H. Trumble, author of Lambda Literary Award finalist Don't Let Me Go
“Cute and catchy . . . An engaging read.” —Romantic Times
“Perfect Ten is a perfect ten. Romantic, sweet, and far wiser than expected. A breezy romcom that is as smart as it is fun, with characters that leap off the page.” —Bill Konigsberg, award-winning author of Honestly Ben and Openly Straight
“Fresh and honest.”—VOYA
“Perfect Ten is a smart, messy, complicated romance, full of swoony kisses and lie-on-the-floor heartbreak and unexpected twists of fate—just like love itself." —Katie Cotugno, New York Times bestselling author of How to Love and 99 Days
School Library Journal
05/01/2018
Gr 9 Up—Nate Grisheimer is a musical prodigy, son of a legendary guitarist who killed himself when the record label he was signed to—Paradise Entertainment, run by power-hungry music mogul Richard Pierce—sapped him of his creativity. Nate's only dream is to follow in his father's footsteps and continue his legacy, but he's held back by his fast food job, his emotionally distant stepmother, and the fact that he can't sing. His voice doesn't capture his music and lyrics the way he wants, and he's desperate to find that perfect voice. Richard Cameron Pierce, Jr. is the heir to the Paradise fortune, along with his twin sister Tess. His real ambition is not to run Paradise, but to be one of its artists. He hasn't found musicians good enough to bring his words to life. Plus, he's promised his father that he would spend a gap year learning about the business. So when Cameron attends a small concert by a band that has potential, and meets a cute, mysterious guy named Nate, the meeting has unforeseen implications for both of them—especially when Nate realizes who Cameron really is, and what he represents. Philips (Perfect Ten) has created a realistic, not-overly-mushy, well-written romance with a mostly white cast. Nate and Cameron's relationship is rocky, sweet, tense, real, and not the driving force of the story, which is refreshing. Readers will love Nate's hipster-ness and Cameron's humility despite his privilege. VERDICT Teens should enjoy this quirky, tender romance. A recommended purchase.—Tyler Hixson, Brooklyn Public Library
Kirkus Reviews
2018-04-03
The sins of the fathers can't prevent fate from coupling their musician sons in this split-narrative, boy-loves-boy ballad. High school senior Nate is the son of a dead-before-his-time musician. Doomed to work at the Dairy Barn and live with his not-so-wicked stepmother, he's ready to pack up his guitars and eke out a musician's life. Cameron is heir to a music empire and eager to prove his talents as a vocalist to his cutthroat father. When they meet at a live show, their ignited passion unwittingly illuminates the scandal that binds their families. Their desire to be both paramours and a professional duo is subsequently tested by the tragedy of truth. Will they ever make literal and figurative music together? Nate and Cameron's budding tryst is TMZ'd—only because their bloodlines, not their sexuality, spell scandal. Their ultimate conflict stems from negotiating loyalty to their families, themselves, and each other. On the socio-economic spectrum, Cameron coasts through a privileged existence of wealth while Nate's middle-class existence doesn't even skim the surface of destitution despite his laments. Light applause for not making homosexuality the social challenge in this La La Land-scape of fame, glamour, and oodles of cash. Both Nate and Cameron are white, fit, and adorable. Nate's bestie, Victor, is Italian-American; presented in caricature form, he's likened to an overfed Al Pacino.A fun enough fluffy fairy tale with a colorless cast and easily mounted conflict. (Fiction.13-18)
